Sarah Palin's campaign clothes cost HOW much?

Sarah Palin says she’s just "your average hockey mom." But she sure doesn’t dress like one.

Seems the RNC coughed up a whopping $150,000 to outfit/accessorize Palin and her family for the campaign trail.

The tally included included a $75,062.63 visit to Neiman Marcus and two Saks Fifth Avenue pit shops totaling $49,425.74, according to Jeanne Cummings at Politico. That's a lot more than the $1,874 spent by average Americans,  according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Click here to see how Sarah's clothing has changed since her VP nomination.

According to our intrepid political reporters at Top of the Ticket, the  RNC's financial disclosure records for September and October show that the RNC did charge those purchases as “campaign accessories."

Charged were Bloomingdale’s ($5,102.71), Barney’s ($789.72), Atelier men's boutique ($4,902.45) and two baby clothing and accessory stores.

Apparently, it’s totally legal -- albeit not normal -- for campaigns to buy duds for their candidates. Politico checked records for Barack Obama's campaign and the Democratic party:  No similar fashion expenditures.

Of course, now that it's come out, McCain’s camp says the Palin family's campaign clothing is all going to charity after the election. And shame on you for thinking otherwise or even bothering to ask questions about it. Shame!

"It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign," said Tracey Schmitt of John McCain's campaign, adding, "With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses.”

Actually, we’re not wasting time talking about candidates' high-priced clothing because what we’re really discussing is image versus reality and overspending, both of which are pretty darn important issues.

If they'd shopped for clothing at H&M, Target, WalMart, it would be a whole different deal. And a much lower price tag.

What do you think about Palin's fashion statement? Is it hypocritical that the "average hockey mom" candidate and her entire family got free fancy clothes from places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's?

I don't think many average American Joe Six Pack families are sitting around the dinner table wondering how they're gonna pay the gosh darn bills wearing free designer clothing, do you?

That sounds more like something a celebrity might do!

Photo: Nice jacket, Sarah. Is it from Saks or Barney's?

Credit: WireImage

Comments

[Winifeld L]

FEC records show the GOP spent $150,000 in stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue to dress up Sarah and her family. A decent designer outfit will cost about $1000. How could they have spent $150,000? Turns out they bought obscene luxury items like a Louis Vitton hand bag for their little girl. These handbags can cost something like $10,000. Associated Press has a photo of Piper Palin carrying this Louis Vitton handbag. I gave $150 to the McCain campaign. I make $42,000 a year and have 2 dependents. I have to scrimp on groceries and reduce weekend trips to make ends meet. I just called the McCain campaign to get my money back. I got a very rude response. On Nov 4th, I am staying home.

[swish]

Ah, how fondly I remember Cory Aquino in the Philippines and her eternal little yellow dress, apparently the only garment she owned. After the lady of 10,000 shoes, I guess clothing did matter.

[Kevin]

Hmm, I'd think her radical stances on social issues would be more than enough reason no to vote for her ticket.

[Justin]

Why are you not talking about Obama's source of fund, his spending on his wife decoration, and his association that is potentially dangerous to this country. It looks like Obama's money have bought most of the TV channels and the news papers. 150, 000 is average person's 12 month's salary, that is nothing.

[JD]

As an independent I would truly like to know the cost of all the canidates accessories/clothing/entertainment. Enough with the cherry picking, just give us the complete story on both campaigns!!!

[Silly Democrats]

"Actually, we’re not wasting time talking about candidates' high-priced clothing because what we’re really discussing is image versus reality and overspending, both of which are pretty darn important issues."

Sounds kind of like the RNC talking about Obama's terrorist friends... So clothes are important but previous associations are not?

[thebob.bob]

Gotta love it. Hey, Joe the Plumber! Send in those donations to the McCain Campaign, Sarah needs a few new outfits.

Gotta love it. How much are McCain's shoes? How much does Cindy McCain spend on clothes? Oh, yeah... McCain cares about 'real' Americans. At least the middle class ones who make 5 million/yr.

[robbybarbera]

"It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign," said Tracey Schmitt of John McCain's campaign, adding, "With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses.”

All I have to say its a shame that money is spent to dress a candidate. They should use their own money not the RNC's which is probably from the American people.

[Chip]

Are you kidding me? And these people think they are fiscally responsible. Give me a break! Can't wait for McCain to give his concession speech!

[slavicdiva]

$150,000 is more than our house cost! Palin should buy her own clothes.

Besides, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, even for $150k.

[teresa]

Who's being accused of being an elitist again? Please remind me. It's all so confusing.

[Chris]

How about Obama's millions spent, including half hour blocks of air time?

You baised media.

[Mrs. Neda Knowles]

Maybe Mrs. Palin should go naked. She sure would look much better than either of the Democratic Party (in)famous women...H & N.
Oh, yes, Mrs. Palin is missing a set of South Sea pearls Nancy Pelosi displays on her neck.
What a double standard by DNC.

[Steve]

Geez,

I'm a democrat that supports Obama. But geez, doesn't the media have anything better to do?

[A Vogel]

These Repubs sure are good for laughs! Too bad they've wrecked the country.

[David Friedman]

Talk about lipstick on a PIG!!!!!!
It shows that there is more style than substance.
But who didn't know that by now?

[R U 4 REAL]

You have got to be kidding me. With all the political issues this is the best you could come up with? Did you take a look to see what Michelle was paying for clothes and who was paying for it? What about Obama's suits and shoes. I am sure he isn't shopping at Target. As a journalist you are totally pathetic that this is all you could write about. Get a real job for pete sake.

[Lynne F]

I mentioned on a different weblog that Sarah is like a gift-wrapped alligator: pretty on the outside but all cold blood and sharp teeth on the inside. And, as always, I apologize to the alligator.

[Honey Rogers]

This is outrageous. People in this country are suffering. Hockey mom with 150,000.00 clothes on. She feels our pain thru those expensive clothes. Michelle wore a $100.00 dress and that's high for most but not insensitive to our bad times. See her for what she is an illiterate fraud. What are the job duties of the VP Sarah, you've missed that same question four times?? People vote for Obama.

[Bill]

Let's face it: Sarah Palin is a former beauty pageant contestant. She is eating up all this attention. She's everything that is wrong with this country: image over substance, not very bright or curious, and pretending to be something she most definitely is not.

[Elizabeth Jurenovich]

Outrageous. This time, the GOP has been truly exposed, not because the emperor has no clothes, but because the would-be empress is claiming to share American values with Joe the Plumber while shopping like Paris Hilton. Hockey mom? I think not. The Caribou Barbie is showing her true colors, much in the same way she billed Alaskan taxpayers for nights spent at home and travel costs for her children's "official business." How can America possibly be fooled by this wolf in sheep's clothing and her pageant-perfect answers? Surely our nation deserves better... vote Obama!

[Leslie]

You are amazing Elizabeth! I know it's your thing to "dish" but this is pathetic. We would never talk about the price of Obama or Biden or even McCain's suits (well you might) during a campaign. How much do you pay for your clothes? I'm always at H&M but I know I'll never see you there! You would be trashing Sarah if she DID shop at H&M! Such a double standard!

[dragonfly777]

How much did Obama stadium and Greek columns cost? I bet a hell of a lot more than 150,000. Obama has 650 million in the bank and he will spend all of it! I also bet he doesn't shop for his clothes at Walmart or Sears. How much did Oblabba spend on his and his wife's clothes??Get a life and print some real news!

[midwestmidwife]

lol, lol, rotfl!! What is that saying about all your pigeons coming home to roost?? Let us suggest doing the reverse- there are great high-end second hand stores where the esteemable Guv could have got her fancy duds at a frac of the cost, and then had a celebrity auction, to boot! That would have at least been more for the economy than McCain has done so far! Oh, this is a riot. It just gets more bizarre. I like the post from a blogger yesterday who said he was going to be asking his doc to put him in a medically-induced coma until Nov 5th so he wouldn't have to endure any more of this! Tracey Schmidt is a vicious @#%*, can you just imagine the Schmidts home life?? again, LOL- thanks Elizabeth!

[Morris]

HA, charity!

The Palin family clothes drive!